Item data
Item Type:
Document
From:
Caldwell, Andrew
Sent from:
Dublin, Ireland
To:
Smith, Sir James Edward
Sent to location:
Norwich, Norfolk
Summary:
On hearing that the French had surrendered [following an invasion in support of Irish rebels] took a boat to Holyhead, Anglesey, to botanise with Hugh Davies. Description of a glen in which 'Polypodium fragile', 'Polypodium cristatum', 'Polypodium filix-mas' and 'Polypodium femina', 'Asplenium [adiantum-nigrum]', and 'Papaver cambricum'. Also found 'Lichen geographicus', 'Lichen concentricus', 'Sedum telephium' and 'Sedum reflexum'. Found an abundance of 'Lychnis flore rubro'. Recommends going to see Lord Penrhyn's [Richard Pennant (c 1737-1808) 1st Baron Penrhyn] slate quarry. Also visited Aberystwyth, Bangor, Beumorris, Caernarvon and the "famous copper mine at Paris Mount". Has seen [John] Templeton [(1766-1825)], "an alert, active botanist", with whom he found a 'Chlora perfoliata', which does not grow in Ireland, "it seem'd as much joy as a good prize in the Lottery". Imparts his unease at the project for an Irish Union with Britain, "better perhaps to bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of". Believes England is in a "desperate situation" and with no energy to provide assistance with Ireland's own troubles. Thanks Mrs Smith for the work she has undertaken. Smith's "Tracts" have already sold out in Ireland. Looking forward to the new edition of Smith's "Tour". Sorrow at the death of [Thomas] Pennant. Disapproves of [Jelinger] Symons "pocket synopsis" ["Synopsis Plantarum Insulis Britannicis Indigenarum"], dislikes the growing use of "wove papers and hot press" in publishing.
Letter date:
25 Dec 1798
Languages:
English
Prev Ref No:
3.33
Additional Information:
Note type | Note |
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Related Material | For further discussion of the political situation in Ireland see JES/COR/3/14-15; JES/COR/3/17; JES/COR/3/20; JES/COR/3/22; JES/COR/3/27.
Smith, J E, (1798). "Tracts relating to natural history" London.
Smith, J E, (1793). "A sketch of a tour on the Continent in the years 1786 and 1787..." London.
Symons, J (1798). "Synopsis plantarum Insulis Britannicis indigenarum" London: White. |
Publn Note | Smith, P (ed.), (1832). "Memoir and correspondence of... Sir James Edward Smith" London: Longman, vol 2, pp.140-144. |
Finding Aids | Dawson, W R, (1934). "Catalogue of the manuscripts in the Library of The Linnean Society - Part I. The Smith papers: The correspondence and miscellaneous papers of Sir James Edward Smith", London: Linnean Society. |